Nicole Marie Constant

Nicole Marie Constant passed away on October 4th after a long journey with mental illness. Nicole came into the world in Biddeford, Maine, on September 7th, 1991, a vibrantly happy baby whose huge smile and boundless capacity for love delighted her parents, Nancy Marie Picard and John David Constant, and her large extended family.

Nicole could dance before she could walk (the music of Prince was an early favorite.) Despite her shyness, Nicole's compassion and empathy shone through, and she made lifelong friends wherever she went. Those friends remember Nicole as someone who would do anything for those she loved—an uncommonly loyal and giving person.

After graduating from Thornton Academy in 2009, Nicole worked at Target for many years before finding her true life's calling at 75 State Street, where she cared for elderly patients. Nicole loved nothing more than caring for others, and she was loved dearly by the residents of 75 State Street in return. 

As a committed vegan who could not fathom cruelty in any form, Nicole had the words "be kind to yourself and others" tattooed on her arm to signify her commitment to this philosophy. Her adventurer's heart took great pleasure in skydiving, swimming in the ocean, and travel. In 2004, she became a lifelong fan of American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis, eventually attending hundreds of his concerts and plays. Maroulis's art brought her the most joy in life. 

She is survived by her mother, Nancy Picard, and father John Constant; brother Cory Hussey and sister Cherri Picard; uncles Steven and Brian Bernier and Mark and Paul Constant, and aunts Jennifer Chaplin and Patricia Walker; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nicole was heartbroken by the passing of her paternal grandfather, Joseph Roland Raoul Constant, twelve years ago and by the recent passing of her maternal grandmother, Laurette Marie Bernier, and she is survived by her paternal grandmother, Sandra Joyce Constant, who was one of her favorite people. These last few years, Nicole enjoyed the friendship and love of Liam O'Reilly, who brought her so much comfort and happiness.

The pain Nicole's passing has left in our hearts is tempered by the memories she's given us—her smile, her infectious enthusiasm, the unending warmth of her love. Nicole’s family asks her many friends to join us for a celebration of her life at 10 am on Saturday, October 23rd at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 307 Congress St, with a gathering immediately following next door at the Guild Hall. In lieu of flowers, Nicole would want donations made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in her name.